Pop culture characters trending this Halloween

After a year of muted to no Halloween celebrations in the pandemic, it’s time to to dress up for this spooky day. Here are some pop culture costumes that are trending this year
The Korean web series Squid Game has become such a cross-cultural phenomenon in just over a month that costumes related to the show are topping searches for Halloween this year globally, accounting for almost one-third of online queries.It’s ditto in India too, with Halloween parties returning in full force after COVID cases abated in most parts of the country. So if you’re going to a Halloween bash, look out for those green tracksuits and pink jumpsuits. You could spot the masked Front Man too! Or are you dressing up as one of them?

Many are picking up Squid Game apparel items on e-shopping sites at affordable prices. Gurgaon resident Arpit Khare has ordered the mask worn by the Front Man on the show. “I will pair it with a long coat and trousers. The mask is around Rs 1,000-2,000 online, while the guards’ pink costumes cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000. The contestants’ green tracksuits are Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000,” he adds.

Apparel stores and shoe shops have customers lining up to get their hands on these costumes. “In the past month, we have sold about 300 sets of track pants, all in green. Everyone wants to dress up in Squid Game costumes – not just millennials and Gen Zs, but also those in older age groups,” says Dheeraj Sharma, owner of an apparel brand in Delhi. Another seller, Kishan Parekh from Mumbai, reports an overall spike of 70% in the sale of the guards’ overalls. “Shops all around have already sold out the soldiers’ masks,” he adds.
Cosplayers have jumped on to the bandwagon as well. “Squid Game-inspired looks are trending as a top Halloween fad, with green tracksuits and white sneakers selling fast online,” says cosplayer Sharon Fernandez from Pune, who plans to host a Squid Game-themed Halloween bash on October 31.
Simple and inexpensive attire draw partygoers

Partygoers say it’s easy to pull off a Squid Game look as the clothes are simple and inexpensive. “There are online videos showing how you can easily make the costumes at home,” says Rajesh Singh from Gurgaon. According to Delhi resident Dweepesh, “A Halloween costume should be simple. Otherwise, you spend half the evening just managing your costume. That’s no fun!”
Rishika Ghosh, from Kolkata, loves Kang Sae-byeok from the show. "With athleisure becoming a staple of fashion, cosplayers and many like us find Squid Game costumes to be perfect,” she says.
Golden boy Neeraj Chopra finds takers too!

While Squid Game remains the most popular choice in terms of Halloween costumes this year, many partygoers want to dress up as India’s newest sports sensation, Neeraj Chopra! “It’s the simplest costume. All you need to do is get some track-and-field clothing similar to the one he wore and add the name. It can be handwritten too. And any long stick or lightweight rod can double as a javelin. It should be fun,” says Varun Suri from Gurgaon, who is planning to go as Neeraj.

Other characters you can dress up as this Halloween
Mulan

While the animated and live action films had multiple looks, you can opt for a simple red robe-like dress, with a V-neck. Pair it with a thick black belt made of cloth and off-white straight pants. Complete the look with a pair of boots and a sword and you’re ready.
Shang Chi

This character has become the newest inspiration for cosplays. You could channel his casual looks in jeans, a hoodie and the famous red-grey varsity like jacket. While it may be difficult to replicate the superhero look with the dragon armour, a red and black jacket with a pair of black pants and shoes will do a good job. Do not forget a large green pendent to complete the look!
Money Heist

Put on a red jumpsuit, and a Dali mask to steal the spotlight this Halloween. You can also opt for the professor look in a grey suit, thick tie and glasses. This is the perfect Halloween costume if you're planning to dress up in a group with your friends.
Wanda/Scarlet Witch

This series had Vision and Wanda in styles ranging from the 50s to the 90s. If you want to go for Wanda’s Scarlet Witch attire, opt for a red body suit, black leather pants, a headpiece and of course, red hair. Cape is optional.
Cruella

Cruella De Vil is the perfect villain to dress as this Halloween. The character got a new dimension to her story with some bold attires in the recent film starring Emma Stone. One memorable style from the lot was her red dress. Choose a blood-red gown and complete the look with a black net eye mask, pair of gloves, a black and white wig and dark eye makeup.
Loki and Mobius

The God of Mischief has garnered as much love from the fans as any superhero. You can wear a simple khakhi jumpsuit with a collar around your neck and keep your hair slicked back to get Loki's prisoner look. If you’re tagging along with your partner, a suit, sleek tie and a mustache will transform you into Owen Wilson's Mobius.